Infiniti G20

The Infiniti G20 was the Japanese premium brand's entry-level sedan from 1991 through 2002, after which it was replaced by an all-new G35 sedan. Over two generations, the G20 offered four-door luxury in a four-door compact sedan that shared underpinnings with various Nissan models globally. The G20 missed the 1997 model year, during which the Infiniti i20 took over its former role as the least... Read More Below »

The Infiniti G20 was the Japanese premium brand's entry-level sedan from 1991 through 2002, after which it was replaced by an all-new G35 sedan. Over two generations, the G20 offered four-door luxury in a four-door compact sedan that shared underpinnings with various Nissan models globally. The G20 missed the 1997 model year, during which the Infiniti i20 took over its former role as the least expensive Infiniti.

The more recent second-generation G20 ran from 1998 through 2002, powered by a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (raised to 145 hp starting in 2000). Transmission choices were a standard five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic, driving the front wheels.

Two trim levels were offered--base and Touring--all with standard 15-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, power moonroof, and a Bose AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system. Automatic climate control was offered on all but the entry-level model. Upgrading to the Touring trim (designated the G20t) added different 12-spoke alloy wheels, a decklid spoiler, and a limited-slip differential (for better traction in the days before electronic traction control systems). Side-impact airbags were added midway through the second-generation G20's life.

For the last model year in 2002, the G20 Touring was replaced by a Sport model that included all G20t features plus two-tone leather-and-suede sport seats--a popular option in previous years, in both "sport cloth" and leather--along with larger 16-inch alloy wheels. The 2002 base model then received the previous Touring wheels as standard. New features for all G20 versions that year included a remote trunk release in the keyless fob and and anti-theft immobilizer.

The earlier first-generation G20, which ran from 1991 through 1996, was powered by a 140-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. In its first years, options were limited to a four-speed automatic transmission, a power glass moonroof, and leather interior trim. For 1994, the G20 Touring was introduced, a slightly sportier model with black leather interior as standard, sport front seats, a folding rear seat back for better trunk access, and both a limited-slip differential and a decklid spoiler.

Halfway through the 1993 model year, the G20 was significantly upgraded. Dual front airbags replaced motorized passive seat belts, power adjustment was added to the front seats when leather upholstery was ordered, and a better six-speaker audio system that added a CD player. The 1994 model got a light restyling, with a new and larger chrome grille as its most distinctive change, along with a number of small mechanical changes. The G20 Touring was added at the same time.